Dog Blood Glucose

"Dog blood glucose or Dog low blood sugar levels refer to cells in the body that aren't receiving the amount of glucose needed. Cells require energy to function normally, and glucose supplied by the blood in a dog’s body is a source of energy. The level of dog blood glucose is controlled by different hormones which are secreted by the pancreas. Two of them are of primary importance, insulin and glucagon. Insulin increases the cellular consumption of glucose from the blood or helps in excretion of extra glucose, while glucagon on the other hand releases cellular glucose into the blood stream and helps in the recovery of glucose from the pelvis of the kidney. Thus, both forms of the condition i.e. dog low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) or dog high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) can occur. Different factors are involved in causing either condition, which should be diagnosed precisely and in a timely manner so that treatment can commence quickly. The treatment plan in either case is relatively slow depending upon the underlying cause. "

Facts about Dog Blood Glucose:

Blood glucose or sugar is obtained from the digestion process,
which
circulates in the body and is supplied to cells in order to fulfill
energy
needs. The respiratory mechanism associated with the mitochondria of
each
living
cell converts this sugar into energy. Dog blood glucose can be stored
in the liver, in the form of glycogen, which can be converted into
fat, which
accumulates within and on muscles.

Energy is essential to not only maintain the physique of the body, but
also
is a basic need to fulfill the overall requirements of a dog's
physiology. A normal and
healthy dog should have 2 – 2.5 mmol/L of blood glucose to keep its
body functioning normally in order that the dog's energy requirements
are met and the physique is maintained. If the optimal level of dog
blood glucose is decreased
or increased, in either case it should be considered to be a dog blood
sugar disorder.

Measurement of canine blood glucose is an indicator of carbohydrate
metabolism and is a valid phenomenon or way to determine the level of
pancreatic
endocrine function. Thus, determining high or dog low blood sugar can
also help in confirming the presence of an underlying disease.

>Dog blood glucose test using a
test strip. Readings on the left
indicate negative for blood sugar. Bottom line of color measures
ketones which is also showing as being negative.

Dog blood glucose test showing more sugar in the dog urine. This sample is also showing negative for ketones. Ketones are produced when fat is burned by the body instead of glucose.

Dog Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia):

Starvation and mal-absorption are considered to be
the main causes of low blood
sugar in dogs, but other factors such as a hepatic problem (liver),
insulin
treatment, hypothyroidism,
increased excretion in the urine (renal
glucosuria) and idiopathic conditions (unknown cause) in some toy
breeds of dogs are also associated with this glucose problem.

Symptoms of Dog Low Blood Sugar

Dogs with low blood sugar or simply hypoglycemia
appear lethargic, weak
and unable to perform normal functions due to a lack of energy. Dogs
may
experience unconsciousness, or a severe seizure of the brain and
nervous system
leading to shock and coma, which occurs only in severely starved and
complicated cases.

Treatment of Canine Low Blood Sugar

Treatment usually involves an initial assessment
of the degree of the low dog blood glucose level. The dog
should not be given sugar or administered
intravenous
glucose or lactose infusions, as it may cause a sudden circulatory
collapse. Honey and syrups containing low sugar should be offered to
lick initially and then followed by systemic treatment. The underlying
cause of dog low blood sugar whether it is malnutrition, disease or any
therapeutic mismanagement should only be treated once the normal level
of
dog blood glucose is attained.

Dog High Blood Sugar (Hyperglycemia):

There are many causes associated with high blood sugar in
dogs,including obesity, diabetes
mellitus, pancreatitis,
glucose treatment, or
prolonged use of corticosteroids and morphine. Diabetes mellitus and
obesity are the most common and frequently occurring reasons for
increased
dog blood glucose.

Dogs with high blood sugar may experience bacterial infections more
frequently. Cystitis, bronchopneumonia and dermatitis are more common
in such dogs. Affected dogs appear obese and have problems with extra
fats accumulation on the liver and other vital organs, which leads to
the
inability of these organs to function normally. Intolerance, lethargy
and progressive weakness are some common signs noted in dogs with high
blood sugar.

Treatment for such dogs usually takes years, or even life long
treatment plans may be required in the case of diabetes mellitus and
irrecoverable pancreatic damage. Use of hypoglycemic agents as
glipizide can help in maintaining blood sugar levels at nearly normal
levels. Lifelong
dietary management with low sugar diets and use of insulin may be
required in some cases.

Natural Remedy for Dog Blood Glucose

In addition to "base" treatments prescribed by a
veterinarian, the addition of a homeopathic remedy could act as an
additional supportive treatment. Products such as
GlucoEnsure
contain ingredients that seek to help the body maintain normal blond
sugar levels. Ingredients target the pancreas, immune system,
circulatory and cardiovascular systems.

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